San Jose, CA – Earthquakes vs. Minnesota United in the final game of the MLS season; Avaya Stadium, October 21, 2017.
2017 Record: 10-18-6, 36 points, ninth in the Western Conference
Coach: Adrian Heath
Key Additions: GK Matt Lampson (Chicago Fire), DEF Tyrone Mears (Atlanta United FC), MID Luiz Fernando (Fluminense FC-loan), MID Harrison Heath (Atlanta United FC), MID Jose Leiton (Herediano)
Key Departures: DEF Justin Davis (Nashville SC), DEF Kevin Venegas (Indy Eleven), MID Johan Venegas (Saprissa-loan),
The Big Question: Can an offseason of inaction spark a positive reaction in the standings?
Expansion sides often go through a number of changes during their first season, rotating players and at times coaches with some regularity. It is part of the process of creating a culture that works for management and hopefully gives them the tools to succeed. The second offseason is as important as sides try to determine what did and didn’t work.
With all of that in mind it was a little bit strange to see Minnesota United FC essentially punt on the winter transfer window. The club made very few moves of note, instead opting to use the waiver wire and search the lower rung of the MLS free agent wire to make a handful of moves. Their two biggest moves, acquiring Lampson and drafting Mears, are at best moves to help fill their bench. Let’s also not get started on Harrison Heath once again being reunited with his dad.
One thing to keep in mind though with The Loons though is that the club’s second half record (4-6-3, 15 points) was much better than their first half record (6-12-4, 22 points). The hope is that with a year of seasoning that forwards Christian Ramirez (eight goals in 2017) and Abu Danladi (one goal) can form a strong attacking partnership and that the addition of Mears can help Francisco Calvo keep the pressure off whomever is starting in goal. The midfield meanwhile needs someone to step up and while Fernando is certainly an upgrade over Bernardo Anor he is by no means a safe bet.
Area to keep an eye on: Goalkeeper
Bobby Shuttleworth did not exactly set the world on fire last for Minnesota and while not all of the Loons league-worst 70 Goals Allowed can be blamed on him, he certainly played a role. The club brought in Lampson fro Chicago who a solid, but unspectacular season with the Fire to give Shuttleworth a bit of competition. Thus far Lampson seems to have the edge given that Minnesota’s defense looks a little more organized under his visage and he doesn’t make as many in-game mistakes. But look for both keepers to get a chance to stake their claim to the position during the season.
Outcome: Last in the Western Conference
There is a lot to like about this club with Ramirez and Danladi coming into their own, a full season of midfielders Ethan Finlay and Sam Nicholson, and a healthy Kevin Molino. But given all of the upgrades that the rest of the Western Conference have made it is very puzzling to see Minnesota standing still. This club is by no means a finished product with rather large holes at both outside midfielder positions, both outside back positions, and goalkeeper still an issue. Many of the pieces that they brought in really aren’t an upgrade over who they replaced. It feels as if this was a wasted offseason for Minnesota and that falls squarely on Heath and Technical Director Manny Lagos, especially if they fall behind expansion side LAFC. This is a big season for Minnesota and their supporters. Hopefully they won’t be disappointed.
Minnesota United FC
